February – Pet Passages, 348 NYS Rt. 104, Ontario, NY

Michael T. Harris, LFD, CPLP is the founder and president of Pet Passages. Harris is a third-generation licensed funeral director, he began his career 26 years ago in his family’s business. In November of 2016, Harris decided to pursue his passion for pet cremation and funeral service. His decision was impelled, after the loss of his own beloved pet Rottweiler’s, Luke and Hannah. Harris discovered there were limited, unprofessional, and undignified treatment within the pet crematory services. Harris’s and your beloved pets deserved more. Collectively, Harris and his staff of three provide the highest care possible for their clients cherished pets. Andrea Dunadee (Account Representative), sums up their passion, “When you go through a loss that is so devastating, you want to help people through it, with dignified and compassionate care.”

The business location at 348 State Route 104, Ontario, NY 14519 was selected by Harris because of its accessibility to their home and family, in Webster NY. Clients may reach Pet Passagesby phone: 585-265-9933, email: andrea@petpassages.com; mikeharris@petpassages.com. Also, by logging onto their thoughtful and informative website: www.petpassages.com.

Harris spoke about how he is continually driven by his desire to serve others in the pet community and improve upon this essential service. They also offer cremation for small farm animals (i.e. llamas, alpacas, goats and pigs) “When we see a need we try to meet it. Everything is developed here at our corporate headquarters and, we then pass it along across the country.” In 2016 Pet Passages, opened a Melbourne Florida franchise, and through their dedication, emerged “the highest possible standard in the pet funeral and cremation profession.”

Harris feels blessed to be in a position to help people with a cost-effective solution. “We do not have to charge high prices to make a living.” Our success is based on a unique skill set; family heritage, formal education and training. “I brought the people funeral side to this business and paralleled it with an overwhelming love of animals and it seamlessly became my profession.” Both Harris and Dunadee agree,Pet Passageshas a long-term goal “to give others the peace of mind they deserve and the closure they need”.

Repeat and referral clients comprise a large portion of their business. They also work with local veterinary offices, “but it is important for people to know they have a choice, to know who carefully handles their pets after life care and encourage more people to look at cremation as opposed to some other options.”

Harris’s expert advice to small business owners; “follow your passion. It was very difficult for me to leave my family business and dedicate myself to this, but my passion drove me, and the memory of my beloved Rottweiler’s became my inspiration. Looking at the bigger picture everything happens for a reason and God has a plan, just follow your dream.”

Where does Harris see his company in 5 to 10 years. “We will continue to build this location and extend out our market here. Expand our franchise network and have Pet Passagesbe the brand that people can rely on for dignified and compassionate care all around the country.”